The biggest factor in choosing a credit card for Amazon is how often you shop with Amazon. Some cards will be best for regular Amazon shoppers who are already Prime members. If you only occasionally shop with Amazon, then there are other options that may better suit your lifestyle.
The best credit card for Amazon Prime members
If you’re really looking to squeeze every reward out of your Amazon purchases and you already pay for a Prime membership, a cobranded Amazon card is the way to go. And Amazon makes it easy, offering multiple options for all kinds of folks:
As to which card to select, the main consideration will be your credit history.
If you have good credit (FICO® Score 670+): Prime Visa
For the good-credit crowd, the Prime Visa is the best pick. It earns bonus rewards at Amazon and Whole Foods, as well as on dining, gas, and drugstore purchases. Plus, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. (Note: If you don't have a Prime membership, or if you cancel your membership, your Prime Visa will turn into an Amazon Visa, which earns a lower rewards rate.)
LEARN MORE: Credit Cards for Good Credit
If your credit is in the fair credit range, the Amazon.com Store Card may be a good option. Prime members earn bonus rewards on Amazon purchases. You can also get special financing on eligible purchases (just watch out for deferred interest). You won't be able to use this card anywhere except Amazon.
LEARN MORE: What Is Deferred Interest?
If you need to build credit: Amazon Secured Card
Prime members who need to build credit can go with the Amazon Secured Card to earn cash back on Amazon purchases. This card can also only be used on Amazon. If you don't have Prime, stay away from this card. Check out the best secured credit cards instead.
LEARN MORE: How to Build Credit Fast
To Prime or not to Prime
Although the cobranded Amazon credit cards have no annual fee, they aren't without cost. To get the most out of any of these cards, you'll need to pay for an Amazon Prime membership.
For example, the Prime Visa offers 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases -- but only if you have Prime. Without a Prime membership, you'll get the Amazon Visa, which earns just 3% cash back on these purchases. Similarly, neither the Amazon.com Store Card nor the Amazon Secured Card earn any rewards at all unless you have a Prime membership. With a membership, your Amazon purchases can earn 5% cash back or 2% cash back, respectively.
Considering the cost of a Prime membership is higher than the annual fee for many of the best cash back cards, make sure you’ll get your money’s worth. We suggest taking a hard look at your current Amazon usage, including extras like Amazon Video. If you’re not already seeing value from a Prime membership, it’s probably not worth getting just for the extra credit card rewards.
Learn more: Is Your Annual Fee Worth It?
The best credit card for Amazon shoppers without Prime
If you don't want to fork over the cash for a pricey Prime membership, the cobranded Amazon cards are a lot less valuable. Instead of getting a separate Amazon card and paying for Prime, consider a regular rewards credit card. With the right card, you can earn a solid rate on your Amazon purchases -- and everything else.
Learn more: The Best Rewards Credit Cards
If you shop online frequently (with Amazon or elsewhere), look for a card that offers bonus rewards for online shopping purchases. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a solid option. It lets you choose your own 3% cash back category from a list that includes online shopping (Note, there is a $2,500 spending cap across bonus categories).
Flat-rate rewards cards
If you only shop with Amazon now and then, we recommend a flat-rate rewards card. These cards earn the same rewards rate on purchases across categories. Some of the best flat-rate rewards cards earn up to 2% cash back on all your eligible purchases. This includes:
Cards that earn rewards points can also offer good flat rates on purchases outside their bonus categories when you redeem your points wisely. Here are a few of our favorite rewards points credit cards:
Alright, these cards don’t seem like a great option at first glance. They only earn 1X point per dollar on purchases not in their bonus categories. However, if you use your points for travel, you can often get $0.02 per point or more. So, a card that earns 1x point per dollar on Amazon purchases could give you an effective rate of 2% or higher. (Many of these cards have annual fees, though, so be sure you'll earn enough rewards to make it worthwhile.)
What credit score do you need to get a credit card for Amazon?
The credit score needed to get a cobranded Amazon credit card will vary based on the card.
- Amazon Visa: Good to excellent credit (670+)
- Prime Visa: Good to excellent credit (670+)
- Amazon.com Store Card: Fair/average credit (580+)
- Amazon Secured Card: No or limited credit
- Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Good to excellent credit (670+)
Keep in mind, your credit score isn’t the only important factor when it comes to getting approved for a credit card. Things like your income and payment history will also play a part.